SBA | Lender In Person Matchmaking Event - You in?
Looking for financing to grow your business?
Here’s your chance to meet face‑to‑face with SBA‑approved lenders ready to support rural small businesses in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
- Apply by April 30, 2026
- Work with the SBDC and local business experts to fine‑tune your loan readiness
- Take part in this exclusive live lender matchmaking event on June 26, 9-11 am (location TBD in Eastern UP)
Your next financial partner could be waiting!
Spots are limited, so submit your borrower application
Download this application form and email it directly to: Latifa Bradwell at latifa.bradwell@sba.gov
Business Spotlights | R&K Lawn and Snow (Sooo much Snow!)
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business. Let us tell you about this one!
R&K Lawn and Snow is proof that a little support (and a lot of hard work) can go a long way in the UP. Since launching in May 2021, this Sault Ste Marie business has grown into a reliable, community‑minded crew keeping local properties clear, clean, and looking sharp year‑round.
With help from the Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) grant program, owners Katla & Robert Smithson invested in a big industrial Salt Dog salter, now proudly and productively mounted on the back of one of their trucks! That powerhouse spreader opened doors to bigger clients and boosted revenue by 25%. It’s been a true game‑changer, helping R&K land and keep major contracts through the toughest Upper Peninsula winters.
They’re not stopping there. R&K recently added a remote‑control mower to their fleet and they’re working toward a pesticide business license, expanding their services and keeping the momentum strong.
Check them out on Facebook at R.K. Lawn & Snow and if you spot that shiny new salter rolling by, you’ll know it’s the sound of local business success in motion.
The SBSH Scoop | SMART Workshop #6 - Work Smarter Together
Ready to turn your group into a true team?
In this hands‑on session with Diane Ratigan‑Schmidt, you’ll uncover what makes your crew click (and what secretly slows them down), spotlight strengths, and sidestep blind spots. Walk away knowing how to tap your team’s full brainpower—so you can stop micromanaging and start truly moving!
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 8:30am-Noon
Location: Sault Ste Marie Economic Development Offices
2345 Meridian Road
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Your Turn | How Are We Doing?
You’re out there running businesses, juggling everything from inventory to snowbanks — so you know better than anyone what works, what doesn’t, and what you wish we’d do next.
Help us make our programming and communications even better.
Totally anonymous. Zero pressure.
Got a minute? Share what you are thinking.
And yes, we appreciate compliments but would hear criticism with a humble and grateful heart too!
People in the Know | Your Local Economic Development Peeps
Here are more people you can connect with when you are looking for resources and connections.
- Bob Sawruk - Sault Tribe - RSawruk@saulttribe.net
- Chris Olson - Chippewa County - admin@chippewacountyedc.com
- Nikki Radke - City of Sault Ste Marie - nradke@saultcity.com
- Miche Rayment - EUP region at large (and Mackinac County) - Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org
- Tammy Henry - Luce County - director@lucecoedc.com
- Tara Parrish - Bay Mills Indian Community - tparrish@baymills.org